Camping in Alaska

From remote wilderness in the mountains to wild coastlines and arctic tundra, Alaska is perfect for camping.

96% (572 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Alaska

12 top campgrounds in Alaska

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Valdez Adventure Alliance

27 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Valdez, Valdez Cordova
Once run by the state but is now managed by VAA. The beautiful Blueberry Lake campground on Thompson Pass has spectacular 360-degree mountain views. 20 sites are available on a paved loop road near the lake. Vault toilets and a water pump are available for use. Several sites work well as group camping sites. There are no RV hookups or pull-throughs. The McAllister cabin, at the mouth of Shoup Bay Marine State Park, is best accessed by kayak or boat. There is a narrow, tide dependent channel that leads to the inner lagoon where Moraine and Kittiwake cabins are located. Kayaks recommended for access.
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$27.50
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Pinochle Trail Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Sutton Alpine, Matanuska Susitna
Flat, gravel spaces at Pinochle Trailhead in Glacier View, Alaska. Great hiking, biking, ATV or snow machine on historic trail. Tents, trucks, cars, campers, RVs, dogsleds .... whatever you can fit is welcome. 8 spaces with tables and fire rings. There is also an "Open Camping Area" in back that larger groups may like. Although a number may be assigned at booking, just pick the best available camp space that works for you on arrivial. You'll need to bring your own water and keep a clean camp. Pinochle Trail goes north into the backcountry for around 12 miles and joins other trails. Pinochle trail is a section of the ancient Knik - Nelchina Trail used by natives, trappers, miners and hunters for eons. It traverses the natural route from the Matanuska Valley up and over the mountain range into Copper River country. Hicks was one of the early guides who had a cabin at Hicks Creek and served with U.S. Army Lieutenant Joseph Castner to brushwack a trail northwest for Captain Glenn in 1898. Described in his journal as at "Tale of Hardship and Suffering" they ended up eating their mules and shoes before reaching their goal far to the north. Today we use these trails with relative ease compared to the old timers but the scenery and mud holes remind us of what they went through.
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$20
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Driftwood Wilderness Lodge

1 site · Lodging13 acres · Larsen Bay, Kodiak Island
Learn more about this land:Create your own adventure in the wonders of the wilderness. Fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, nature photography, and hiking are just the beginning. Contact Nick to create a week of activities customized for you and your group. Make sure to take time to enjoy the silence, where the only noise is the occasional bush plane.If you appreciate recycling and upcycling, you’ll love the hand-made touches at Driftwood Wilderness Lodge. The lodge was built by hand by Nick and DWL volunteers – and all the dimensional lumber used for the buildings was salvaged from the sea and milled onsite.Driftwood Wilderness Lodge is located on a secluded lagoon with views of Uyak Bay, which is 60 miles southwest of the city of Kodiak. The nearby village of Larsen Bay is home to about 100 people and according to Travel Alaska is next to some of the best fishing grounds in the Kodiak Archipeligo. During the summer, when the local cannery is open, the population of Larsen Bay swells to 300, and a local mercantile store is open. The store supplies locals and visitors with food, gear, and most importantly – a rare Alaskan treat for those who are off the grid, ice cream!Larsen Bay is surrounded by Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, a 2,812-square-mile preserve that covers most of Kodiak Island. The refuge offers rugged mountains and alpine meadows, wetlands, and spruce forests. Wildlife viewing is excellent there, and it is home to the giant Kodiak brown bear and more than 200 different species and 600 breeding pairs of bald eagles. Marine life includes seals, sea lions, porpoises, sea otters, whales and puffins. There are no roads, and no maintained trails, so the best way to view wildlife is by chartered boat or plane.Fishing is the main interest of most visitors to Larsen Bay. The area features protected bays and inlets near the village or the open ocean for salmon, halibut, lingcod and rockfish. DWL is a boat ride away from stream fishing for salmon, steelhead and Dolly Varden. Guests enjoy trips to the Karluk River, which is world famous for its sockeye salmon and king salmon runs.Your stay includes 3 meals per day, transport from Larsen Bay Airport to the Wilderness Lodge, and bear and whale watching from the lodge deck. I recommend booking your flight with Vertigo Air Taxi or Island Air Service. Please let me know if you have any questions, happy to help you organize your trip out to the Driftwood Wilderness Lodge.
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$600
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The Coop Camp

4 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Nenana, Yukon Koyukuk
Nearly five acres surrounded by pristine Alaska-state land, and within short trekking distance of the famous Nenana river. Toghotthele mountain stands nearby, with some impressive hiking trails to be explored! The Tanana River is in short driving distance (3 miles) of the Coop Camp, as is shopping, a cultural museum and historical centers.
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$25
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Lulu's Glamping on the Knik River

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Palmer, Matanuska Susitna
Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Located on the river's edge of the Knik River in Palmer, Alaska, our glamping tents offer a unique experience. Unplug, unwind and kickback in our Stout canvas style bell tents. Each tent is stylishly outfitted with a queen size bed, linens, rugs, stylish decor and other amenities. You also will have your own smokeless Solo Stove with seating for two outside your tent. Only 45 minutes north of Anchorage, our location boasts incredible views with access to all things outdoor! There are shared porta toilets with foot pump sinks with soap for hand washing on site. There is one on demand outdoor shower! We have an outdoor kitchen with a BBQ grill, pots, pans, dishes, silverware, salt, pepper and other items for guest use. Half of the property is an adult glamping experience. Half of the property allows children, as long as you understand that we are located right on the river and children should be supervised. Our property is the perfect basecamp with easy access to hiking for all abilities; Bodenburg Butte, Lazy Mountain, Pioneer Peek and Pioneer Falls. Located right on the Knik River we can help you plan a day of fishing, kayaking or riverboat touring. Other local activities include ATV rentals, glacier helicopter tours, exploring the town of Palmer, the Alaska State Fair, a trip to the Reindeer Farm, Independence Mine State Historical Park, the Musk Ox Farm, horseback riding, touring our breweries, enjoying the local golf course, sled dog tours and so much more! Although we love pets, in order to keep tents clean and odor fee, pets are not allowed without permission. No smoking 🚭 Check in 4pm Check out 11am We ask that shoes be removed before enter the tent.
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$25
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Stump Creek B&B

3 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Eureka Roadhouse, Matanuska Susitna
The property at this location is very special to us because my grandfather homesteaded here in the 60s and it’s still in the family. This location was his and his wife’s main home of living where they made this homestead and rented cabins and had a little store to produce extra income to raise their family.
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$15
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Kilcher Homestead MiracleMeadow

6 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Homer, Kenai Peninsula
A few things that make my place unique: My 5 acres is part of the famous 620-acre Kilcher Homestead, as seen on “Alaska the Last Frontier” TV show. I am the 7th of the 8 children; Atz and Otto are my brothers. There is a special feeling here vibrating in the land, and why our parents picked this spot. Full outdoor kitchen with all you need to cook and wash up; BBQ, hotplate, pure drinking water, spices, pots/pans/dishes etc. Outdoor hot shower and outhouse with great views! The atmosphere feels so pure, so silent, so wild yet comfortable. Drive-in access sometimes, or have to walk 15 minutes, and no issues with mosquitoes!!! You get to meet me and maybe other family members as you cruise around. Homer is 35 minutes away, with oodles of things to do there: great restaurants, a lap pool, fun shopping, etc. We have quite good cell reception here. Lots of options to enjoy your stay!
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$35
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Little Bear Wilderness Retreat

2 sites · Lodging13 acres · Susitna North, Matanuska Susitna
Here at Little Bear Cabins 30 minutes from Talkeetna, Alaska and Willow youll find a working off grid homestead with privacy and nature everywhere. Offering guided Alaskan plant walks and more! Private cabins with a wandering creek to explore with kayaks or skis as well as bikes all included ! Late fall its filled with salmon and trout. World class fly fishing all around you! Winter time the Northern lights will dance over you! With many trails to wander along and a bridge to view or swim. Summer or winter .. The birds here are like no other located in the migrating route of the predatory birds. You'll find nests all along the creek of rare birds.. Each cabin is private and has a firepit fridge and potable water provided . There are groomed ski trails and walking trails for guests with kayaks and bike to use during your stay .I offer guided walks of the garden and In the forest to learn about the edible and medicinal plants of Alaska. You will find stillness and nature all around you..
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$50
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Seaside Farm

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Homer, Kenai Peninsula
Seaside Farm is a 30 acre, magical, park like farm on the shores of Kachemak Bay, just outside of Homer. A song bird sanctuary, with trails, lawns, gardens, trees, hay fields, and a private beach, cabins, a clover camping meadow, and It is part of an original Alaska pioneer homestead from the 1940's. Although its an organic farm, with its hay fields, pastures and raspberry patch. its primarily the home of hundreds of songbirds, mama moose and her baby, coyotes, flocks of sandhill cranes, two sweet Morgan Horses, an assortment of chickens and two happy cows. I love sharing my farm with travelers, visitors and folks seeking peace, who love nature and outdoor living, and who enjoy getting close to nature, in a real Alaska, original, non touristy setting. This property has three different types accommodations: Rustic, cozy cabins (no indoor running water), a big field for tent campers only, and a few spaces reserved for 4 wheel drive vans , and similar small vehicle camping, including rooftop tents and occasionally a small pop up trailer. There is limited parking and turnaround space, and we like our farm peaceful and not too crowded to provide a special rural experience to all who visit this magical farm There are four cabins sprinkled throughout the property. Two are off grid, close to the beach, private and magical, with wood stoves. All cabins are able to use the main farm lodge amenities, just a few minutes walk away and have their own outhouse.. You can walk on the beach from here, there is a covered camping pavilion available to all guests, a campfire spot and bbq grill, lovely walking trails and meadows, lots of wildlife, and even wifi!
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$25
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Opted Out Acre

5 sites · RVs, Tents1 acres · Willow, Matanuska Susitna
Our property offers privacy for campers with a nice stream running through. We are near the Willow airport and the tracks for the Alaska scenic train, we do experience 2-3 short bursts of train noise (30 seconds- 3 minutes) a couple times a day. Overall, it's a very relaxing spot to enjoy nature My wife Kacie and I purchased this land in 2021 with the goal of creating a place where our family and others could enjoy nature while traveling through Alaska.
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$35
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Darell B.’s Magical Mountain

3 sites · Lodging3 acres · Anchorage, Anchorage
Sleepy Bear cabin was built as a retreat for my father here in Alaska. Our 1st year listed on Hipcamp our cabin came in second in best places to stay in Alaska with Hipcamp. Last year we were still mentioned in the top 10 with some pretty stiff competition. Eagle River South Fork trail with stunning views of Eagle and Symphony lakes is a short bike ride away. Breathtaking Barbara Falls is in our valley 10mins away. You hike up to the falls and feels its breath. Our Mountain views at 2000' elevation in the alpine forest with the 7000' snow covered peaks at the back of the valley will awe you. Morning coffee on your private deck alone is worth the trip. We know you will love our little mountain get away. I came to Alaska in the 90's with the Coast Guard. It was always my dream to come back. Alaska has a hold on you no other place possesses. Since our move back almost 6 years ago, our family has blossomed. We love living here and want to share our love of Alaska with others.
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$130
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Jim Creek Blank Land

30 sites · RVs13 acres · Palmer, Matanuska Susitna
This is blank land in the Buette area of Palmer, Alaska. No signs except for the address sign. Make your own spot. No amenities. Please take your own trash out. Enjoy your stay for just $10 a night. Near Jim Creek. Great fishing. A lot of trails for 4X4s and riding ATVs. Come park your car, camper, RV etc and enjoy Alaskan life at Jim Creek Blank land.
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Camping in Alaska guide

Alaska is a bucket list trip for people around the globe thanks to some of the world's largest intact ecosystems and the chance to spot incredible wildlife. Here you'll find wild salmon runs filling the ocean bays and rivers where brown bears feast, plus giant moose roaming the big river valleys and mountains. While some incredible parts of Alaska are accessible by highways, many areas are so remote that road systems don't exist, meaning access is by bush flight, boat, or on foot. Camping in Alaska can mean everything from pitching tents on a riverbank or enjoying comfortable RV parks adjacent to wild areas.

Where to Go

Bristol Bay

Bristol Bay is an expansive region with massive lakes, huge ocean bays and wild rivers. It’s known for abundant salmon runs that draw anglers and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. Visit Katmai National Park and Preserve to watch bears catch salmon on Brooks Falls or fish for salmon and giant rainbow trout on the mighty Kvichak River. Lake Iliamna and the rivers in this area offer incredible fishing, sightseeing and boating.

Kenai Peninsula

Some areas in Alaska are road accessible, making them perfect for camping and exploring at your own pace. The Kenai Peninsula is one of those special places where you can experience the best of Alaska from RV sites and tent camping areas at private and public campgrounds in places like Soldotna. Go fishing on the mighty Kenai River for salmon and trout, take a cruise through the Kenai Fjords National Park, take a dog sledding tour or go hiking on the many miles of trails on this wild peninsula.

Southeast Alaska

The rugged Southeast coastline is dotted with small communities, many of which are isolated from any highway systems. Ketchikan and Juneau are two hubs to visit for access to the expansive Tongass National Forest. Prince of Wales Island has limited services but rental vehicles and island roads allow for access to go fishing and hunting in this remote area.

Denali National Park

Accessible by road system, Denali National Park leads many visitors to fly into Anchorage and rent a vehicle or RV to visit. The incredible peak is more than 20,000-feet high and the surrounding Alaska Range is absolutely stunning. If you want an unforgettable view, consider flightseeing tours to gain elevation and really get into the mountains. Moose and bear sightings are common and the trails offer a range of hiking options for visitors. This park is fantastic and is accessible for a wide range of budgets and camping styles.

Where to Go

Alaska is a two-season state where it’s either feeling like summer or winter. In summer, the days are long, leaving plenty of time to explore and very little darkness to help you sleep. The inverse is true during the winter months. The first snowfall, also called termination dust, typically arrives sometime in September and it coincides with rapid color changes and shorter days. Most visitors arrive during summer when the salmon are running and bush flights operate in places like Bristol Bay on regular flight schedules. Although summer is ideal for most campers, winter does have special events like dog sledding races and views of the northern lights.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Alaska, you can park your RV for free in various locations, such as pullouts, rest areas, and some public lands. It is important to respect any posted signs and regulations, as well as to practice Leave No Trace principles. Here are some nearby RV camping options in Alaska:

Keep in mind that these options may not all be free, but they provide a variety of RV camping locations in Alaska for your convenience.

In Alaska, you cannot camp anywhere, but there are vast areas of public land where you can find dispersed camping opportunities. Alaska is home to numerous campgrounds, national parks, state parks, national forests, and wilderness areas where camping is permitted. However, it's essential to follow the rules and regulations of the specific area where you plan to camp, as some locations may have restrictions or designated camping sites.

Dispersed camping is allowed on most public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Forest Service, and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. When camping in these areas, be sure to practice Leave No Trace principles, respect private property, and stay at least 100 feet away from lakes and streams. Some popular destinations for camping in Alaska include fishing campsites, glamping sites, and forest campsites.

Yes, Alaska is an excellent destination for camping, offering a wide range of camping experiences from remote wilderness locations to well-maintained campgrounds. The state's vast and diverse landscape, including mountains, glaciers, forests, and coastal areas, provides an unparalleled backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular camping destinations in Alaska include Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Additionally, there are numerous state parks, national forests, and private campgrounds throughout the state to suit various camping preferences. Keep in mind that due to Alaska's northern location, the camping season is generally shorter than in other parts of the United States, with the best time to camp being from late May to early September.

Campground fees in Alaska can vary depending on the location, amenities, and type of site. On average, you can expect to pay around $10 to $25 per night for a basic tent or RV site at public campgrounds. More developed campgrounds with additional facilities and services may charge higher fees.

Yes, it is generally safe to sleep in your car in Alaska, as long as you follow certain precautions and guidelines. Make sure to park in designated camping areas or RV parks, and be aware of the weather conditions, as temperatures can drop significantly at night. It's important to have proper sleeping gear, food, and water supplies, as well as a plan for restroom facilities. Additionally, be cautious of wildlife, such as bears, and store food and scented items securely. You can find some suitable locations for car camping in Alaska on Hipcamp, such as Safety Cove, Sealion Cove, and Sunny Cove.

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